Latest news with #LEGOStarWars
Gizmodo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Amazon Shows No Mercy for LEGO, Star Wars R2-D2 Set Crashes to a Record Low Before Prime Day
The LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set is arguably the most iconic in the series, and it's now at a record low price. Star Wars and Harry Potter are the most popular LEGO licenses – be it for kids or adults worldwide. Among the iconic Star Wars sets, the R2-D2 building toy consistently ranks as a top seller. This collection has received an amazing 4.9 out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers based on over a thousand reviews, with thousands of them being sold last month alone. You now have a great opportunity to own this collection at its lowest price ever on Amazon – even lower than the prices during the Black Friday or Prime Day sales. For just $79, a reduction from its regular $99 price tag, this is a chance to grab a LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set at an all-time low which is something that doesn't happen very often as this popular set very rarely see discounts. See at Amazon Collector's Edition The LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set is a collector's edition that was designed for fans aged 10 years and above – but it is certain to excite any Star Wars fan. It includes a highly detailed brick-built R2-D2 model that is an excellent centerpiece for any room and which measures over 9 inches (24 cm) tall, 6 inches (16 cm) wide and 4 inches (11 cm) deep. The build itself is challenging and fun with 1,050 pieces offering plenty of enjoyment for seasoned builders. The completed model features a 360-degree rotating head, a removable third leg for posing, and add-on tools and a periscope. Along with the main R2-D2 build, the set also comes with an exclusive bonus: a LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary Darth Malak mini-figure which is one of the most wanted characters by fans of the franchise. The set also comes with an information plaque for R2-D2 and a stand featuring the LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary logo which makes it an excellent fit for any Star Wars room or collection. With this deal's limited-time nature and the rarity of LEGO Star Wars sales, there's no better moment to act. Make sure you grab yours before it's gone. See at Amazon
Geek Dad
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025
Welcome to the 2025 Father's Day Gift Guide. The force is strong with this one, including only our favorites for the best dads in the galaxy. It's short, sweet, and to the point of the holiday, which is to shower dad with the geeky gifts he is bound to love. Let's get into it! LEGO Star Wars Jango Fett Helmet Price: $69.95 Amazon Perfect for the prequel-loving dads, his 616-piece LEGO set brings Jango Fett's iconic Mandalorian helmet to life in amazing detail. From the color-scheme to the adjustable range finder, it's a stylish display piece that's as fun to build as it is to show off. Whether he's Team Fett or just a sucker for sharp helmets and sharper aim, this set is a must-have addition to dad's Star Wars shrine or desk. – Dakster Hiltz Galaxy's Greatest Dad Trophy Price: $39.95 sionnach Studios Is your dad a LEGO and Star Wars or Doctor Who fan? These custom-made trophies and awards are the perfect unique gift! Available in a Star Wars and Doctor Who style as well as various skin tones (in addition to the standard yellow), this is a gift that will surely bring a smile to dad's face! Trophies are 8″ tall, not actual LEGO scale. – William J. Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way Price: $61.42 Amazon For dads (like me) who missed its original run on Apple+, Emmy Award-winning sports comedy Ted Lasso is now available as a beautiful Blu-ray box set. Its seven discs contain all three seasons of the beloved series, wherein a small-time American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) is brought in to manage a struggling British soccer team. Hijinks, hilarity, and a surprising number of heartwarming moments follow as Lasso and AFC Richmond navigate the English Premier League in an underdog story for the ages. [Review materials provided by Warner Bros. Television.] – Z. WiperTags Price: $17.95 Amazon Recently, my family gifted me one of my favorite automotive accessories of all time: WiperTags. While the expansive product line includes a mindboggling number of decals—from animal and holiday-themed fare to the ubiquitous waving-arm characters—this particular set features two iconic (but legally distinct) professional wrestlers locked in combat. Now, when I engage my back windshield wiper, not-Randy Savage delivers a crushing elbow drop to not-Hulk Hogan, an occurrence that delights both me and my fellow drivers on our daily commute. – Z. DripEZ BBQ & Meal Prep Tubs Price: $34.99 – $124.99 Dripez If Dad likes to barbecue, then this may be the perfect accessory for him. These BBQ and meal prep tubs are great for marinating meat and vegetables, and there's even a built-in cutting board in the base! They're available in multiple colors and styles, and fold down flat for easy storage. I used one recently to marinate some Korean short ribs for the smoker, and it worked great while also cutting down on the mess. – Paul Benson Wautton R18 EDC Titanium Alloy Mini Flashlight Price: $34.90 Wautton This tiny flashlight can hook onto your keyring so you've always got a bright light handy, and it's both durable and water resistant so you can use it just about anywhere. Bonus: you don't have to hunt down little cell batteries because it has a USB-C port for charging. Comes in silver or the multicolored rainbow coating. – Jonathan H. Liu Dungeon Crawler Carl series Price: $30-$39 per book If Dad likes books, videogames, and aliens, get him started on this rollicking sci-fi series. Carl (with his girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut) gets stuck in a multi-level dungeon that's part of an intergalactic reality show. If he survives, he could win back Earth from its new overlords, but first he has to crawl through several levels of virtual hell. There are six volumes so far with a seventh coming in September 2025. – Jonathan H. Liu Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
7NEWS
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Best-selling LEGO Japanese framed wall art to build and hang in your home
If long, dark evenings is inspiring you to find a new hobby, why not try a LEGO framed wall art, a fun arts and crafts activity for the whole family. Great for winding down from a long day at the office (or class) the Hokusai, The Great Wave kit has 1,810 LEGO pieces for creating a 3D artwork of the famous painting, and can be hung up on the wall once complete. A fan-favourite for hundreds of shoppers, those who have got their hands on the kit have described it as 'excellent,' and 'looks great on a wall.' Making the ideal gift for a birthday or special occasion, it's perfect for adults (18+) and art lovers, plus there's even a QR code to scan to access a specially curated soundtrack. Now 32 per cent off in a limited-time deal, you can pick up the LEGO Art Hokusai Wall Art for just $115.58 (down from $169.99). Shop more LEGO at Amazon Australia: LEGO Star Wars Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser, was $999.99 now $729.24 LEGO Star Wars Jabba's Sail Barge UCS Building Set, was $799.99 now $602.91 LEGO Technic Porsche 911 RSR Sports Car Set, was $299.99 now $222.83
Campaign ME
07-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Customer centricity: Embracing the outside-in perspective
Marketing and brand management have undergone significant changes in the past decade, mainly driven by rapid advancements in technology and their impact on customers' daily lives. Widespread internet access, the evolution of e-commerce, the availability of information, and more recently, the rise of AI, have shifted the balance of power from brands to customers. This shift allows customers to set the narrative and influence brand perception and behavior. Looking back 50 years ago, communication was mainly one-way, with brands controlling the storyline, and customers being highly influenced by advertising through traditional channels. Today, with the democratisation of the internet, customers can set the narrative, access unbiased sources of information, and influence the rise or fall of a brand. Social media has further accelerated this shift in power, enabling customers to directly shape brand perception and drive conversations. So, what does this mean, and how has it impacted the way organisations behave and bring their products or offerings to market? Simply put, it has made the concept of the customer is king truer than ever – not only for customer brands but also for any brand that wants to lead in its sector and remain profitable. It has opened a direct dialogue between brands and customers, allowing customers to voice their opinions on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Customers now demand that brands listen, take their feedback seriously, and act on it. This shift ensures that customer satisfaction is prioritised over profit-making. We have seen numerous examples of this shift, such as the case of Volkswagen in 2015, when it was discovered that the company had installed software in diesel engines to mislead emissions tests. This resulted in billions of dollars in fines, a significant drop in sales, and long-term damage to the brand's reputation. On the other hand, LEGO, which faced declining sales and financial difficulties in the early 2000s, engaged with its community, incorporating feedback into product development. This led to the successful launch of lines like LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Friends, resulting in a resurgence in popularity and significant business growth for the brand. While the strength of this argument is clear for business-to-customer (B2C) brands, the same applies for business-to-business (B2B) brands as well. The shift in the relationship between customers and brands supports the importance of putting the customer at the center of any go-to-market strategy, making a customer-centric approach more critical than ever. Understanding the customer's needs, pain points, and decision-making drivers is necessary for any brand to succeed and differentiate itself from competitors. Deeply understanding customers and identifying key insights that encourage an emotional connection is essential for standing out and building customer loyalty. Below is a closer look at the key benefits of making customer wants and needs key drivers of strategy: Building sticky relationships: Enabling customers to feel that a brand understands their issues and is committed to providing the appropriate solutions will help build a strong emotional connection, keeping the brand top of mind. This fosters loyalty and trust, encouraging customers to return. Research reveals that 88% of customers who trust a brand will buy again. Sticky relationships are not easy to build; they take work, but once established, the benefits are well worth it. Trusted companies outperform their peers by up to 400 per cent in terms of market value, according to Deloitte research. Relevant innovation: Keeping an open dialogue and gathering feedback is a great way to gain relevant insights that can drive innovation. Innovation should address clear customer needs to make it relevant and enable adoption. Increased loyalty and trust: When customers are happy and feel understood, they are more likely to return, ensuring a more consistent revenue flow. In line with human nature, people tend to gravitate towards what they know and trust – change is not always easy or comfortable. Therefore, it's very important for companies to prioritise a positive customer experience at the core of their strategy. This approach helps build brand loyalty and affinity, encourages customers to prioritise the company's products or services, and motivates them to refer their friends or leave positive reviews. All of this will help the business retain revenue and attract new customers. Increased and accelerated growth: Focusing on customer needs will often lead to upselling and cross-selling opportunities. Knowing a client's challenges allows brands to think strategically about more ways to cater to those needs. This not only makes customers feel more understood but also increases their openness to considering additional services, which will lead to business growth. It's a win–win situation for all. An example to illustrate all of the above is Patagonia, which has been successful in building trust with customers while positioning itself as environmentally friendly. By being transparent with their customer base, sharing information about their production process, and showing that they put their money where their mouth is, Patagonia has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability. The company is honest about its sourcing; upfront honesty has paid off for them, retaining a loyal customer base and gaining trust. Their openness has also driven innovation, which has led Patagonia to look for more ways to bring sustainability to the core of their business, ultimately leading to significant business growth. Patagonia's brand promise isn't just a slogan — it shapes every element of their business. According to an article on Statista, Patagonia has achieved annual sales of over $1bn for three consecutive years, starting in 2019. It is important to note that profit figures from the company are not publicly available. Taking the outside view and bringing it in is not an easy task. It requires time and effort to truly understand audiences and gain the right insights. This process often requires combining various data points and personal information to understand the customer journey, while still keeping market trends in focus. When applied consistently across an organisation, this approach offers a competitive edge, driving sustainable revenue growth and success. For organisations to truly succeed, gathering relevant customer centric insights must be a core element of their strategic planning. They need to be intentional about acquiring these insights and allocate the necessary funds and resources to do so. While this investment may seem significant at first, it is one that is bound to produce substantial returns in the long run. By Nour Khoury, Brand Communications and Marketing Leader, Deloitte Middle East
The Guardian
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The galaxy far, far away comes to Melbourne in a new LEGO exhibition
When you hear the term 'dream job', what comes to mind? Movie star? Chocolate taster? Astronaut? Well, for kids big and small, Ryan 'The Brickman' McNaught has a fantasy career that's hard to top: judge of TV show LEGO Masters and certified LEGO professional. In his latest project, McNaught has channelled all his skill and passion into creating a 'galaxy first' LEGO Star Wars exhibition at Melbourne Museum. This cinematic-scale exhibition – which took more than 25,000 hours to complete, using more than 8 million LEGO bricks – offers visitors the chance to see some iconic Star Wars characters, spaceships and landscapes re-created in LEGO, as well take part in hands-on LEGO activities, such as building LEGO starfighters and custom lightsabers. The exhibition opens on 4 May. From kids to the young at heart, it's a rare chance to get up close with the galaxy far, far away. C-3PO and Ryan McNaught. Photo credit: Dani Evercroft. Visitors will find classic characters created by the LEGO master, including favourites such as C-3PO, Princess Leia and Darth Vader. Anyone who's ever tried to construct a small-scale LEGO Star Wars set will know what a challenge it can be, so it's easy to imagine the skill needed to build detailed versions of full-sized characters and spacecraft – some of which are as big as four metres high. McNaught finds joy in that challenge, and has plenty of favourites pieces he's excited to show off. 'Over the years I've always loved a 'cutaway' model where you can see the inside of something awesome, like the Death Star or a Star Destroyer, so they are super cool, but, unquestionably, my favourite [pieces] are the characters,' he says. 'Making a face in LEGO is easy, but making a face that looks like someone is hard – so hard that there aren't many people that can do it at all, so that makes them awesome.' As well as Star Wars characters in LEGO form, the exhibition offers an interactive, hands-on experience, with visitors getting the chance to build some LEGO sculptures of their own. There will be interactive elements and engaging experiences for fans of all ages. Battle scene exhibition. Photo supplied. 'I think [I'm most excited by] the interactive components of the exhibition where our models hopefully inspire people to make their own stuff,' McNaught says. 'For example, making your own Star Wars fighter, then having it scanned and watching it fly around in combat out the window of a Star Destroyer.' The scene inside LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition resembles a Star Wars film set, populated by life-sized droids, full-scale lightsabers and realistic starships. For McNaught and his team, building the LEGO Star Wars exhibition was a painstaking labour of love. It took, he says, a long, collaborative effort to get the exhibition off the ground. 'It's far from only me; we have a dedicated team of 38 people who make it happen,' McNaught says. 'It's nearly 25,000 hours of designing, engineering and building – there's so much work that's gone into it. I've personally been working on this project pretty much nonstop – apart from filming LEGO Masters – for three years.' Getting this project off the ground was no easy task. McNaught and the team needed a lead time of six months just to source the rare and unusual LEGO bricks required for these one-off builds. Even then, the skill needed was 'way over the next level', McNaught says. Ryan McNaught in the Millennium Falcon cockpit. Photo supplied. 'The thing with this exhibition is it is about firsts,' he says. 'There's a reason the majority of the models we have made have never been done before. It's because they are so hard, technically, and these models are pushing the limits of what LEGO can do. I mean, imagine making the first ever life-sized Princess Leia and not doing it justice?' Despite the thousands of hours and millions of bricks taken to bring the exhibition to life, McNaught feels as if he hasn't even scratched the surface of the Star Wars universe. 'The museum is only so big,' he says. 'The Star Wars galaxy is so content-filled I could make another two of this exhibition with all new things. Imagine Boba Fett's [starship] Slave I, or a giant sandcrawler as examples.' The Emperor's throne room. Photo credit: Eugene Hyland. It's fair to say that 'The Brickman' loves his job. He get a lot of joy out of all that planning and building with LEGO, and is excited by the impact that exhibitions such as this can have on visitors. 'I get to bring happiness to people, so that's pretty awesome,' McNaught says. 'Hopefully I'm inspiring a Sally or Johnny to take over from me one day.' After seeing the exhibition, visitors can continue their adventure by exploring the main Melbourne Museum galleries, with general admission included in all tickets. Embark on a journey through the galaxy's first LEGO Star Wars exhibition.
